The tassels are there to carry the pollen from the top to the kernels on the cob and fertilize them . If the corn kernels are not fertilized , they will not develop.. Each of those tassel threads leads to an individual kernel of corn.

I assumed she meant the silk when she mentioned tassels.. I guess I should clarify my posting on it.. The tassels at the top of the corn stalk produce the pollen necessary for the seed development. The tassels on the corn cobs ( properly called the "silk" ) are the ones that accept the pollen and carry the fertilizing genes down to the individual corn kernels. Pollen from the top of the corn must reach the silk to fertilize the kernels so they develop.Corn should be planted in "blocks" if you are only planting a small amount. Never plant your corn in a single row. It is too easy for the winds to carry the pollen away from the ears and result in a failed crop with only a few kernels developing on each cob. Corn should be planted in at least 2 or 3 rows; or a block to ensure proper pollination of the ears. Say you're only going to grow 3 dozen corn plants... Rather than make a row 36 plants long, plant them in a block 6 in a row so you have a 6 x 6 block of corn.Heidi, corn is iffy up your way , but it is possible. Select the earliest maturing variety you can find and start them indoors or in a greenhouse. Set them out after the soil warms up. As long as you don't get a lousy spring like we had this year you should get a decent crop.

That's much the same as block planting. The main thing is to have the corn grouped so pollination of the cobs is guaranteed by the proximity of the other stalks.Single plant / single row can cause some to not be properly pollinated. Multiple rows , block planting or clumping like you makes sure the pollen gets to the cobs.